This trail is located within the site of the historic Camp Hale, where the 10th Mountain Division trained for winter mountainous warfare during World War II. The fourteen thousand men that were trained here fought heroically in the mountains of Northern Italy.

The trail begins on the right side of Ranch Creek Road (FDR 714), look for a buck and rail fence. The trail crosses the East Fork Eagle River. Across the river, the trail proceeds through a marshy meadow and lodgepole pine stand.

After a mile, the trail crosses a clearing on the slope, where the 10th Mountain Division practiced skiing. This point also provides a great view of Camp Hale.

The trail climbs up FDR 726 and drops into Highway 24. After crossing the highway, the trail proceeds through a long narrow strip of uplifted land in the Mitchell Creek drainage. The trail begins climbing into another lodgepole pine forest to Tennessee Pass.

INTERESTING INFORMATION

Many of today's ski areas were founded by veterans of the 10th Mountain Division who first learned to ski at Camp Hale.

Local guide services are available to learn more about this area.

Directions from Vail: Follow I-70 to the Minturn exit (#171). Follow Highway 24 south, through the town of Minturn, and continue a total distance of 14 miles from the interstate until you reach a valley opening. Look for the first major turnoff on the left (east) side onto a dirt road entering Camp Hale. Follow the road to the immediate right and at .5 miles from Highway 24 take a left at the fork and then a right at the immediate next fork. Follow this road south approximately .5 miles until it curves left (east) and look for the Ranch Creek Jeep Road sign on your right (north). The trailhead is 200-500 feet from the intersection.

Directions from Beaver Creek: Follow I-70 to the Minturn exit (#171). Follow Highway 24 south, through the town of Minturn, and continue a total distance of 14 miles from the interstate until you reach a valley opening. Look for the first major turnoff on the left (east) side onto a dirt road entering Camp Hale. Follow the road to the immediate right and at .5 miles from Highway 24 take a left at the fork and then a right at the immediate next fork. Follow this road south approximately .5 miles until it curves left (east) and look for the Ranch Creek Jeep Road sign on your right (north). The trailhead is 200-500 feet from the intersection.

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Recreation Opportunities

Activity

Remarks

On Site

Backpacking

Yes

Hiking & Walking

Yes

Horseback Riding

Yes

Mountain Biking

Yes

Related Activities

Camp Hale Memorial Campground - The Camp Hale Memorial Campground is located in historic Camp Hale, south of Minturn, at an elevation of 9200 feet. The campground consists of 21 sites and reservations are accepted.

Camp Hale Observation Site - Camp Hale is the historic training site of the 10th Mountain Division, which trained here during W.W.II. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Camp Hale Picnic Ground - The Camp Hale Picnic Ground is located at the Camp Hale Memorial Campground south of Minturn.

East Fork Group Site - East Fork is a group campground site, designed to accommodate large groups. It is located in Camp Hale, south of Minturn.

Ranch Creek Four-Wheel Drive Road - This jeep road south of Minturn, climbs four miles from Camp Hale, to scenic meadows with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.